By Terrence Cummings – Host, Music is Life Podcast
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to follow your own musical path, you’ll want to meet Elliot Devaughn. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elliot—an alumni of Tupelo Music Academy, talented indie rock songwriter, and honest about every struggle along the way—for a candid interview on the “Music is Life” podcast. Here’s what she shared about her journey, her creative process, and her advice for aspiring musicians.
Discovering a Life in Music
Elliot Devaughn didn’t grow up dreaming of stardom. Instead, music was simply woven into her family’s fabric, from her father to her grandfather. “It’s just kind of something I’ve always been around my whole life,” she explained. Still, it took the gift of a guitar in her teens to light the creative spark. Like many beginners, she admits, “I didn’t really start picking it up to play until probably six months to a year later.” But when she did, she dove deep—a recurring pattern in her story.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Learning
Anyone who’s struggled through their first awkward chords will relate to Elliot’s journey. “It’s very difficult to learn how to play guitar,” she said, remembering how practice sometimes felt futile. Her solution? Persistence mixed with patience. “Just practicing and sometimes just giving it a break… I really benefit from that.” She credits her father for the basics, and a chance meeting with renowned musician Jimbo Mathis for advancing her skills through foundational lessons. “It’s not the quantity, it’s the quality of the work,” she shared—a truth for musicians at any stage.
Finding Confidence Through Community
For Elliot, confidence both on the guitar and with her own voice came slowly. “It took me a while to be like, okay, you might be good at this,” she recalled. Part of her growth came from joining Tupelo Music Academy, where she explored voice lessons with Ms. Shelby. The environment matters, she emphasized: “She never made me feel ashamed at any point… I don’t feel embarrassed to mess up in front of her.” Safe, supportive spaces, she says, make all the difference when pushing through creative insecurities.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Performing live brought a new dimension to Elliot’s musicianship. The nerves—especially about stage banter—haven’t fully faded (“I’m terrible at stage banter!” she laughs), but her confidence grows with every show. “I don’t freak out before every show or worry for weeks leading up to them,” she observes, proving that experience is its own best teacher.
Advice for New Musicians
Elliot’s advice for beginners is refreshingly real: “Don’t get stressed out about it. As long as you put your best effort into everything… don’t beat yourself up about it if things are going wrong. It’s all part of the process.” She encourages students not to fear disappointing their instructors: “That’s their job. They’re there to teach you.”
Music as a Way of Life
Music isn’t just Elliot’s hobby—it’s part of who she is. “My entire life, honestly, revolves around music. There’s not a time I’m not thinking about something music related.” It keeps boredom away, fuels her creativity, and shapes her daily outlook.
Where to Find Elliot Devon
Check out Elliot’s original music at elliotdevon.com, and follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook for updates. She’s one to watch in the indie folk/indie rock scene—her dedication and growth are clear in every chord she plays.
Final Thoughts
At Tupelo Music Academy, we’re proud to build a community where artists like Elliot can thrive—with the support, patience, and encouragement needed for creative growth. If you—or your child—are wondering about starting music lessons, remember: everyone starts somewhere. Embrace the process, and let your unique voice shine.
Want to join our music community or curious about lessons in Tupelo? Reach out to Tupelo Music Academy, where we focus on building confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
Terrence
The Music Master